What's up with Sapphire?

From <xxxxxx@aol.com>
Date
So, years ago I purchased a shrinkwrapped Sapphire from a reputable 
guy. Actually, I *think* it was from Chris Barker's lovely old 
superfami.com? From some prominent Lister, as I recall. Ages ago. 
Anyway.

It was my point of pride until I scored a decent LT.

Now, it seems, people are selling "new" Sapphires rather cheaply. I 
cracked out of curiosity and purchased one, ripped it open, and played 
it -- since I hadn't dared open my original shrinkwrapped copy.

This dubious new copy is convincing but some of the documentation's ink 
is discolored. So are these fakes, or what? Have they really brought 
down the value of a genuine unopened Sapphire?

I had wanted to sell my original ("real"?) copy for about what I paid 
for it (~$400) in order to get a jump on paying off my student debts. 
But is it really worth only $60 or so? The last time I was in Japan, at 
least, I saw an opened Sapphire going for something like 25000yen.

What gives, guys?

Nice to be back on the List.
Pilaf.